The TotalEnergies company is once again in the sights of environmental associations. Four NGOs have filed a complaint against the oil group, which they accuse of “climatecide” in connection with oil extraction projects in Tanzania and Uganda. An unprecedented complaint, since it charges the company with criminal charges.
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Until now, the associations’ complaints against TotalEnergies were brought before the civil courts. But this new procedure for “ climaticide » will go before the criminal judge. “ It’s time for the company to be held accountable for its activities “, declared the lawyers of the NGOs in a press release.
In the sights of the associations: the activities of TotalEnergies in Uganda and Tanzania. A 1,500 kilometer long oil pipeline project, linking western Uganda to the Tanzanian coast. But also the exploitation of 400 oil wells in Uganda’s largest national park.
Read alsoContested project of the TotalEnergies oil group: what is the reality in Uganda and Tanzania?
Since the announcement of these projects last year, the associations have been on a roll. Firstly against the dangers for the environment: the fragile ecosystem of the region would be threatened according to them.
But also against population displacements caused by the projects. At the beginning of July, Human Rights Watch estimated in a report that they had already “ devastated the livelihoods of thousands of people “.
For its part, TotalEnergies defends itself and says “ conduct its operations in accordance with its operating standards “.
Read alsoTotalEnergies in Uganda, an oil project in a time of climate change